THE MUMBAI Police will use drones Tuesday to monitor the crowd at Chaitya Bhoomi and Shivaji Park, where lakhs of Dalits are expected to gather to pay respects to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar on his death anniversary.

“We will deploy two drones, one at Chaitya Bhoomi and the other at Shivaji Park, to monitor the crowd and traffic situation. Police teams and combat vehicles will be present on the ground to handle the situation,” said a senior officer from the Mumbai Police.

Dr Ambedkar was cremated at Chaitya Bhoomi in Dadar after his death on December 6, 1956.

Besides drones, the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), the Quick Reaction Team (QRT), and the Riot Control Police (RCP) will be deployed on Tuesday, the officer added.

The police will also use hand-held metal detectors and mobile bag scanners at every entry and exit point. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ashok Dudhe, the traffic police and the local police will be mobilised to handle the large large crowds. “We will constantly monitor the situation on CCTV cameras as well,” he added.

Keeping in mind the expected heavy traffic of commuters on the suburban railway system, the railway police has taken requisite precautions for the day, officers said.

“A strong bandobast is in place. We have carried out anti-sabotage checks and extra force, including SRPF, has been mobilised. We have also distributed information booklets and all measures for convenience of passengers have been taken,” said a senior official from the Government Railway Police.